Winn bonus as Barker set to prove formidable ally in Rás

JULIAN WINN, a former winner of the FBD Insurance Rás, will have a powerful new ally when he bids for a second title on Sunday week, with Yanto Barker an exciting addition to the Wales Stena team.

Barker, one of the most promising young riders in Britain, is contracted to the DFL team but has been given a late release to join Winn.

There was a blow for the Ireland team this week with Paul Griffin’s withdrawal. The tough Tralee man, who rides with last year’s Rás winner, David McCann, for Giant Asia, was forced to cry off because of contractual problems. McCann took the yellow jersey in the Tour of Korea this week and is defending it with Griffin’s help.

Griffin’s withdrawal has cleared the way for Stephen Gallagher.

He will be a huge asset to top professional Mark Scanlon, when the former world junior champion attempts to add Irish cycling’s showpiece to his list of achievements with AG3r.

Corkmen Brian Keane, one of the sensations of this year’s Rás Mumhan, and Páidí O’Brien, are also on the Irish team, which is completed by Conor Murphy.

Keane got a boost in advance of his first major assignment when he finished second to Bill Moore (Stamullen) in the Coombe/Connor Memorial in Drogheda last weekend.

Martin O’Loughlin (Dan Morrissey Carrick Wheelers) won his first ever senior race, the Tommy Sheehan Memorial, in his home town of Carrick-on-Suir last weekend.

The Athens Olympic team manager finished two-and-a-half minutes clear of the field.